21 Rooftop Bars in NYC to Get Your Drink on Outside

'Tis the season … for rooftop bars. Yeah! Who doesn't love these seasonal sky-high lounges, where you can sip mint-infused cocktails amidst stop-you-in-your-tracks New York City skyline views? No one we know. So, whether you're a tourist in search of bird's-eye panoramas of the Big Apple, or just looking for a fun alfresco spot to hang with friends, here's the latest crop of cool rooftop bars to check out.

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Westlight — Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Westlight — Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Best for Foodies

Perched atop the William Vale hotel, Westlight is a trendy rooftop bar that not only has awesome NYC views (one can never tire of looking at the Empire State Building), but a menu of small plates from chef Andrew Carmellini of The Dutch and Locanda Verde.

What to order: You can't go wrong with dumplings — try either the shrimp or charred eggplant, along with some herb fries.

Press Lounge — Hell's Kitchen

Press Lounge — Hell's Kitchen

Best Hudson River Views

The Press Lounge, a large rooftop bar within the Kimpton Ink48 Hotel, is way over on 11th Avenue, but it's so worth the schlep for the eye-widening panoramas of New York City skyscrapers and the Hudson River beyond. You can expect great sunsets, too!

What to order: There's a nice selection of wines by the glass, and even a few wines on tap, including a syrah from Mendocino.

Westlight — Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Best for Foodies

Perched atop the William Vale hotel, Westlight is a trendy rooftop bar that not only has awesome NYC views (one can never tire of looking at the Empire State Building), but a menu of small plates from chef Andrew Carmellini of The Dutch and Locanda Verde.

What to order: You can't go wrong with dumplings — try either the shrimp or charred eggplant, along with some herb fries.

Press Lounge — Hell's Kitchen

Best Hudson River Views

The Press Lounge, a large rooftop bar within the Kimpton Ink48 Hotel, is way over on 11th Avenue, but it's so worth the schlep for the eye-widening panoramas of New York City skyscrapers and the Hudson River beyond. You can expect great sunsets, too!

What to order: There's a nice selection of wines by the glass, and even a few wines on tap, including a syrah from Mendocino.

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La Piscine — West Chelsea

Best for Tequila

Just off the High Line is Hotel Americano, part of the Mexico City-based Grupo Habita boutique chain. Its glam rooftop bar La Piscine, a favorite of artists from nearby galleries, is an in-the-know spot with a small pool, sexy cabanas, and daybeds.

What to order: Sip high-quality tequilas and take in the jaw-dropping skyline scenes, including a straight-on shot of the Empire State Building.

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The Ides Bar — Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Best for Craft Cocktails

The Ides Bar on the sixth floor of the Wythe Hotel, has been around a while, but it's still one of the best rooftop bars to enjoy a well-made craft cocktail — not to mention the fab people-watching and some of the best Manhattan views in the borough.

What to order: Try a gin-based Sixth-Floor Sling (a take on the Singapore Sling), made with allspice, cherry, apricot, and lime.

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Rare View Chelsea Rooftop — Fashion District

Best for Burgers

Located atop the Hilton in the Fashion District, the Rare View rooftop lounge has hard-to-top 360-degree skyline views. The crowd might include 9-to-5ers looking to let off a little steam and folks having a beer before a concert or game at the Garden.

What to order: The sliders are a can't-miss appetizer. Still hungry? Head to the hotel's ground-floor restaurant Rare Bar & Grill, which serves gourmet burgers.

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Z Roof — Long Island City, Queens

Best for a Party Vibe

At Z Roof, on the 10th floor of the Z NYC Hotel, the music is rocking, the cocktails are strong, and there's plenty of prime seating. Skyline bonus: All the big guns of Manhattan are visible — the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and the Freedom Tower.

What to order: What can be better than a wood-fired pizza after a few drinks? Nosh on a made-to-order pie from the bar's seasonal on-site oven.

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Pod 39 Rooftop Lounge — Murray Hill

Best for Margaritas

In the Pod 39 Hotel, this charming rooftop bar with twinkling lights is a fun spot to meet up with friends for a few margaritas (especially during happy hour) and soak up vistas of the surrounding office towers and the iconic water towers that sit atop them.

What to order: The signature Salvation margarita, rimmed with guajillo chili salt, is super refreshing — and chips and salsa always hit the spot.

What to order: The menu is Southern-inspired, so be sure to try the fried chicken, served with black pepper honey.

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Northern Territory — Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Best for a Chill Vibe

Get a taste of Down Under at this rustic Aussie-inspired rooftop bar in an old Greenpoint factory. Order a bucket of James Boag's Lager from Tasmania, snag one of the wooden booths, and simply soak up the Lower Manhattan cityscape.

What to order: The menu is across the board, but if you want to stick to the theme, try the Aussie meat pie, served with mashed potatoes and mushy peas.

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Roof at Park South — Park Avenue South

Best for Classic Cocktails

There are plenty of high-risers around this rooftop bar atop the newly renovated Park South Hotel, but the iconic Chrysler Building, in all its Art Deco glory, gleams more brightly than the others. Order a classic cocktail and toast this classic NYC building.

What to order: The Duke's martini is made with frozen Plymouth gin, and it's served with a dollop of caviar — very decadent!